The Bayelsa State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Biseni community in Yenagoa Local Government Area following the escalation of a crisis that has resulted in the destruction of property, including the village mansion of a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Franklin Otele.
The curfew, which took immediate effect on Friday, was ordered by Governor Douye Diri following security briefings on the deteriorating situation in the community.
The development comes amid growing tension in Biseni, where some individuals have reportedly barricaded roads leading into and within the community, while bonfires were made at strategic locations, disrupting movement and raising concerns about the safety of residents.
The burning of Otele’s mansion has further heightened concerns over the crisis, as the property is among several houses belonging to prominent individuals reportedly destroyed in the ongoing unrest.
Although the immediate circumstances surrounding the burning of the former lawmaker’s residence were not immediately clear, the incident underscores the growing threat to lives and property as tensions continue to mount in the community.
Police Commissioner Visits Community In a move to contain the crisis and prevent further escalation, the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Ajao Saka Adewale, recently visited Biseni to appeal to residents to sheathe their swords and embrace peaceful dialogue. During the visit, the police chief urged the warring parties and other stakeholders to exercise restraint, maintain peace and avoid actions capable of worsening the situation.
The visit was part of efforts by security authorities to restore calm and prevent further destruction of property. However, the subsequent burning of houses, including the mansion belonging to Otele, has raised fresh concerns about the effectiveness of peace efforts and the urgent need for stronger security measures to protect residents and their property.
The continuing crisis has also disrupted normal activities in the community, with road barricades and bonfires creating an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty. Diri Orders Immediate Restoration of Peace Announcing the curfew, Governor Diri said the decision followed briefings from security commanders on the security situation in Biseni.
The governor directed security operatives to take necessary measures to restore law and order, peace and security in the community.
He also advised responsible members of the community to remain law-abiding, warning against actions capable of threatening public safety and undermining efforts to restore normalcy.
According to the state government, the curfew is intended to enable security agencies to address the breakdown of law and order and prevent further threats to lives and property.
The governor reiterated that his administration would continue to take measures necessary to guarantee the safety of residents and protect property in the affected community. Security Concerns Mount
The destruction of property belonging to prominent individuals has added another dimension to the crisis, with residents facing growing uncertainty over the security of their homes and businesses.
The burning of Otele’s mansion is particularly significant because of his former position as a member of the state legislature, although the motive behind the attack has not been established.
As security operatives move to enforce the curfew, residents are expected to comply with the directive and cooperate with the authorities to facilitate the restoration of peace.
Community leaders, elders and other stakeholders are also expected to play a critical role in resolving the crisis through dialogue and reconciliation. The latest developments have renewed calls for all parties involved in the dispute to abandon violence and embrace peaceful means of resolving their differences.
For now, attention is focused on the ability of security agencies to contain the situation, prevent further destruction and restore normalcy to Biseni.
The Bayelsa State Government has urged residents to remain law-abiding as efforts continue to restore peace and security in the community.